Inland Rail information centre opens in Toowoomba

Locally-staffed information centre a real investment in the community, creating jobs during construction and ongoing employment

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester today officially opened Toowoomba's ‘one-stop shop’ for the Inland Rail project—a central hub for people to give feedback and get face-to-face information about Australia's largest infrastructure project.

Inland Rail is the planned, new 1700km freight rail line which will transform the spine of the national freight rail network. It will see freight delivered from Melbourne to Brisbane, via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, in less than 24 hours.

“We believe in the future of regional Australia, and the Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail project will deliver benefits to all the communities it touches today, and in 100 years from now,” Mr Chester said.

“This Toowoomba office is an Australia-first, as well as being a useful resource for local residents—it's a central spot to get information and advice, give feedback and talk face to face with the people delivering this nationally important project.

“Choosing Toowoomba as a base for Inland Rail in Queensland makes perfect sense. It is a major regional city and the gateway to the Darling Downs.

“The office is also supporting the local economy. Local people are employed by the ARTC and work in the office, local suppliers fitted out the office, and local people can now come and see for themselves what Inland Rail will mean for the region and Australia.”

Around 2,300 jobs are expected to be created in the Darling Downs region during local construction.

Queensland will be the biggest state beneficiary of Inland Rail, with the benefit to Gross State Product modelled at $7.3 billion during construction and the first 50 years of its operation.

Mr Chester earlier met with members of the Yelarbon to Gowrie Project Reference Group to hear their views on the conduct of the alignment review.

“Chair Bruce Wilson and members of the Project Reference Group are doing a great job in working with the community, which is critical to delivering the Inland Rail Project. I'm told the community drop-in sessions held throughout the study area last week have really added to the Group's understanding of community views on the project,” he said.

“I look forward to Mr Wilson's independent report on the transparency of the alignment review, and what further work may be needed to give the community confidence in the planning process.”

Anyone seeking more information on Inland Rail can visit ARTC's Toowoomba office 65-67 Neil St Toowoomba. The office is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Appointments with the ARTC Community Engagement team members can be made by calling 1800 732 761 or email inlandrailenquiries@artc.com.au